OBITUARY

Robert J. Bulmer

June 24, 1933 – June 5, 2012

East Lyme – Robert J. Bulmer, 78, of East Lyme died peacefully at home on June 5th, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born June 24, 1933 in Hartford, CT to John Bulmer and Agnes Jane Holda Bulmer. He was raised by his loving grandparents Frank and Mary Dubiel Holda surrounded by a large, extended family of aunts and uncles after his mother’s untimely death when he was two.
After graduating from Bulkeley High School, he worked as a union carpenter where he earned enough money to put himself through the University of Connecticut, first at the Hartford Branch and later at the main campus. Here he pursued and developed his passion for scientific enquiry and graduated with a B.S. in Physics in 1957 and a later M.S. in Physics, completed in 1970 and awarded in 1985. While at UConn, he met his beloved wife, Marion Maselli, whom he married in August, 1955.
In 1957, Robert began work at the Sonar Transducer Division at the New London Laboratory of the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory (later known as the Naval Undersea Warfare Center) where he flourished as a scientist of applied research in underwater acoustics in the development of sonar transducers. At the same time, he spent evenings and weekends constructing his home in East Lyme which he built nearly single handedly from 1960-1963.
His career took him around the world supporting fleet operations in such places as Andros Island (Bahamas), Nantes (France), and the Azores Islands (Portugal). In 1970, he was named head of the Transduction Engineering Development Branch. In 1978 he was selected to attend the seniors’ program at the College of Naval Warfare in Newport, RI and received a Diploma of Graduation. In 1985 he was appointed to COMNAVSURFLANT in Norfolk, VA as Science Advisor closely followed by a move to London, England in 1986 to advise the Commander of the Fleet at CINCUSNAVEUR at the naval attaché. Upon his retirement from civil service in March 1990, he was honored for his “substantial contributions to sonar transducer development and outstanding service to the submarine sonar department.” He continued to pioneer work in shallow water acoustics as a consultant and advisor to the U.S. Navy submarine fleet.
Robert is predeceased by his wife, Marion, with whom he enjoyed 49 loving years of marriage. He is survived by his children and their families, son Steven and Sandy Bulmer, and their daughter Jenna of Cromwell CT; daughter Cheryl and Mick Townend and their daughters Courtney and Jasmine of Gosport, UK. He leaves a brother, Jack, of Troy, NY and 7 nieces and nephews.
No one who knew Bob will forget his passion for life which included music on many levels. He had an intense enjoyment of Dixieland and Big Band Jazz, and also played the clarinet himself. He was a long-standing member of the Westerly, RI Band and served as its librarian and concert announcer for many years. He was a member of the National Physics Honor Society and served a term as its secretary. He was an avid supporter of UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball and a lifelong supporter of the New York Yankees.
He had a strong involvement with the community and he served in several elected capacities including the East Lyme Board of Education and the Zoning Commission. He loved his coastal hometown, where he could fish, crab, scallop, and dig for steamers, where walking with friends on the boardwalk gave him solace during his illness, and where he had spent many family hours at McCook Point Park and the Hole in the Wall beach. He also loved the rural aspect of the area and served as president of the Nutmeg Mycological Society and was a fervent supporter of the original Thames Science Center. The true highlight of a New England summer for him was finding the first and best of the summer corn along with fresh native tomatoes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 11:00am in St. Matthias Church in East Lyme. Calling Hours will be held on Monday, June 11, 2012 from 5PM until 7PM in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Ave., Niantic. CT 06357. Please visit www.fultontherouxniantic.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information. Please make donations in his memory to Hospice of SECT, 225 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

REMEMBERING

Robert J. Bulmer

Mary O. Fitzgerald

June 26, 2012

Having just gotten back from vacation, I just learned of Bob's passing from a birding buddy of mine from CT, Linda, who met Bob when we went over to his home to see the wild turkeys that he fed. My sincere condolences to the whole family.Mary O. Fitzgerald

June 25, 2012

To the whole Family; We are so very sorry to have just now learned of Bob's passing, which was much too soon. He was a wonderfully fun, amiable and intelligent person, who always made everyone around him happy. We spent many a lunchtime in his pleasant company, when joining my father, Jim Fitzgerald, Summers for lunch with the Kildare 'gang'. We'll never forget his ready smile nor the twinkle in his eye. Most sincere condolences are sent you by Meg Fitzgerald, with husband Guido Boeger and daughter Suzanne, in Germany

Mike Maselli

June 14, 2012

I first want to send my condolences to Steve, his wife Sandy and daughter Jena and Cheryl and her husband Mick and daughters Courtney and Jasmine. They had stayed strong through this last year providing much support that I know was extremely important to Bob. I first met Bob about the time he married my sisterâ€”Marion. Through the years Bob has always been a strong supporter of both family and community. He thoroughly supported Marion in her work with the science center and other community activities. He was a long time contributor to the Westerly Band. This was only part of his commitment to music as he and Marion would go almost weekly to hear their son Steve play in a small jazz combo at Bill's Seafood. On occasions when I was back east we would all go.Bob's carpentry skills served him well in putting him through college and in the planning and construction of his own house. He hired a few people to help him but he did all the major work himself. This house has been the focal point of many family gatherings and holiday events.Bob will be missed Mike Maselli

June 13, 2012

Sorry to read about the loss of your Father. I have delivered his Day paper for six years. I have a feeling he knew my Dad who also played in the Westerly Band for many years. My thoughts are with you all.

Kathy McCurdy

Hanna Cushman

June 13, 2012

Sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was a friend to so many and a caring and bright man in both intellect and spirit.

Tom Severino

June 12, 2012

I was very saddend to hear of Bob's passing. We were childhood and teenaged buddy's and a group of us were knon as "The Victory Road Boys". We shared many lifelong memories. My prayes and condolances go out to Bobs family and loved ones.

Thad Bell

June 12, 2012

I was surprised and saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I enjoyed working with him for the better part of a decade at Kildare. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Jerry & Suzanne Zigmont

June 10, 2012

We are deeply saddened for your loss. May you have love and strength during this difficult time.

Jim, Nancy, James, Warren & Emily Perkins

June 10, 2012

May you find comfort in your memories of Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. With love and sympathy,

Megan Lessard

June 10, 2012

I have fond memories of working with Bob at the Kildare Corporation in New London. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Joan Kwasniewski-Bengtson

June 9, 2012

May his memories give you peace at this most difficult time. It was always a pleasure to converse with him.

Jean Breny

June 8, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts are with you Steve, Sandy and Jenna and the rest of your family.

Rosanna Carabelas

June 8, 2012

It was a pleasure and honor to serve with Bob on the Zoning Commission. He always had great insight into what was best for the Town of East Lyme. My sincere sympathy to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.Rosanna L. Carabelas

John Prokop

June 8, 2012

Cheryl and Steve,

Very sorry to hear of your father's passing, a swell guy all around.

LEN CORMIER

June 8, 2012

Having worked & traveled to the Azores, Bahamas and a week of golf at Myrtle Beach with Bob, I will cherish the memoirs evermore. This is a era passing!

Ronald Soccoli

June 8, 2012

A very good and long time friend of mine. Worked with Bob on many projects both at the lab and especially Kildare. My condolences to all of his close friends and family.

Earleen & Ron Soccoli

Leslie Koons

June 8, 2012

Bob was so kind and giving, always with an interesting story to tell. He was a man of great courage and steadfast strength. I am so fortunate to have known him, and will forever treasure the memories. He was, simply, the best.

John and Allison Hislop, Jr

June 8, 2012

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Bulmer's passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

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